Mass wedding held for 104 Saudi women with disabilities

More than 100 Saudi women with disabilities got married on Sunday in a mass ceremony held at a luxury hotel in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, according to local media.

The event was organised by Harakia, a local charity advocating the rights of adults with disabilities and aiming to integrate them in the society.

Saudi Princess Hussa bint Salman bin Abdul Aziz attended the ceremony, which was sponsored by Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdul Aziz.

"We wish them a happy life and righteous offspring," Prince Faisal said, adding he was "proud" of people with disabilities taking up high positions and jobs.

Abdul Rahman al-Bahli, Harakia's executive manager, said their aim was for people with disabilities to "lead normal lives" like other people.

Nasser al-Mutawa, chair of Harakia, told reporters that the attendance of Princess Hussa and sponsorship by Prince Faisal were a "great joy" for everyone involved.

Some of the brides and relatives expressed their joy with the wedding, adding that they were grateful for the marriage programme.

"I thank God for helping me be part of this special programme," said Sara, one of the brides.

Um Abdallah, the mother of one of the grooms, said she was happy her son was accepted in the programme, as he had lost all hope.

Other mothers said the mass wedding saved them from having debts and financial problems.

Weddings in Saudi Arabia are considered a financial burden, as they can cost up to 100,000 Saudi Riyals ($26,662), while extravagant ceremonies can reach one million ($266,627).

The cost is taken up by several main expenses including the dowry, renting and furnishing an apartment, the wedding ceremony itself and the honeymoon.